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President of the
Republic of Guatemala
Guatemala Presidental Flag.svg
Presidential flag
Coat of arms of Guatemala.svg
Retrato oficial de Presidente Bernardo Arévalo.jpg
Incumbent
Bernardo Arévalo

since 15 January 2024
Office of the President of Guatemala
National Security Council
Style Most Excellent Mr. President of the Republic
(official)
Mr. President
(informal)
Member of Cabinet
Residence Casa Crema
Seat Guatemala City
Appointer Supreme Electoral Court
Term length Four years, non-renewable
Constituting instrument Guatemalan Constitution
Inaugural holder Mariano Rivera Paz
Formation 3 December 1839
(185 years ago)
 (1839-12-03)
Deputy Vice President of Guatemala
Salary 146,950 GTQ monthly
($18,863 as of May 2023)


The President of Guatemala (in Spanish: Presidente de Guatemala) is the main leader of Guatemala. This person is both the head of state (the country's official representative) and the head of government (the person in charge of running the country). The President is chosen by the people for one four-year term. This important job was created in 1839.

How is the President Chosen?

Who Can Be President?

To become President of Guatemala, a person must meet certain requirements. These rules are found in Article 185 of the country's Constitution.

Here are the main things needed:

  • They must be a Guatemalan citizen from birth.
  • They must be at least 40 years old.

However, even if someone meets these requirements, they cannot be President if they:

  • Led a coup d'état (a sudden, illegal takeover of the government) or a similar movement that changed the country's laws.
  • Were the President or Vice President during an election period.
  • Are close relatives of the current President or Vice President before an election.
  • Worked as a government minister within six months before the election.
  • Are part of the Armed Forces of Guatemala unless they have left the military or retired at least five years before the election.
  • Are a minister of any religion.
  • Are a judge of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (the court that handles elections).

How Long Does a President Serve?

The President serves for four years. They cannot be re-elected or stay in office longer than their term. Also, if someone has been President for more than two years, they cannot run for the job again in the future.

What Does the President Do?

Article 183 of the Constitution explains the President's many duties and powers. These include:

  • Making sure the Constitution and laws are followed.
  • Protecting the country and keeping public order.
  • Being the leader of the Armed Forces of Guatemala and the National Police.
  • Approving and enforcing laws.
  • Making emergency rules when there are serious problems, and telling the Congress about them.
  • Suggesting new laws to the Congress.
  • Being able to veto (reject) laws passed by Congress, unless the Constitution says otherwise.
  • Giving a yearly report to Congress about the country's situation and how the government is doing.
  • Sending a budget plan to Congress each year, showing how the government will spend money.
  • Asking Congress to approve international agreements and contracts for public services.
  • Calling special meetings of Congress if the country needs it.
  • Leading the Council of Ministers (the Cabinet) to guide the nation's development.
  • Being the boss of all officials and employees in the Executive Branch.
  • Keeping the country's land safe and respecting its honor.
  • Managing foreign policy and international relations, including signing treaties.
  • Welcoming diplomats from other countries.
  • Managing the country's money according to the law.
  • Forgiving fines for people who didn't pay taxes on time due to administrative issues.
  • Appointing and removing ministers, ambassadors, and other officials.
  • Giving out awards and pensions according to the law.
  • Telling Congress about any trips taken outside the country within 15 days.
  • Sending a report to Congress every four months about how the budget is being used.
  • Doing any other duties given by the Constitution or laws.

What Happens if the President Can't Serve?

Article 189 of the Constitution explains who takes over if the President is unable to continue.

  • If the President is away for a short time, the Vice President of Guatemala steps in.
  • If the President leaves office permanently, the Vice President becomes President for the rest of the term.
  • If both the President and Vice President cannot serve, the Congress chooses a temporary President. They do this by a vote of two-thirds of all the members of Congress.

Past Presidents of Guatemala

Note: Many sources say that Jimmy Morales was the 50th president.

State of Guatemala (1839–1847)

No. Portrait Name
(Born–Died)
Time in Office Political Party Elected
Started Ended Length of Time
1 Mariano Rivera Paz.jpg Mariano Rivera Paz
(1804–1849)
3 December 1839 25 February 1842 2 years, 84 days Conservative
2 Jlrequenaguatemalapresd.jpg José Venancio López
(1791–1863)
Acting
25 February 1842 14 May 1842 78 days Independent
3 Mariano Rivera Paz.jpg Mariano Rivera Paz
(1804–1849)
14 May 1842 14 December 1844 2 years, 214 days Conservative
4 Carrerayturcios 2014-06-22 09-46 (cropped).jpg Rafael Carrera
(1814–1865)
14 December 1844 16 August 1848 3 years, 246 days Conservative

Republic from Carrera to the Liberal Revolution (1847–1871)

No. Portrait Name
(Born–Died)
Time in Office Political Party Elected
Started Ended Length of Time
4 Carrerayturcios 2014-06-22 09-46 (cropped).jpg Rafael Carrera
(1814–1865)
14 December 1844 16 August 1848 3 years, 246 days Conservative
5 Juan Antonio Martinez presidente interino Guatemala.jpg Juan Antonio Martínez
(?–1854)
Acting
16 August 1848 28 November 1848 104 days Conservative
6 Blank.png José Bernardo Escobar
(1797–1849)
Acting
28 November 1848 1 January 1849 34 days Conservative
7 Blank.png Mariano Paredes
(1800–1856)
Acting
1 January 1849 6 November 1851 2 years, 309 days Independent
8 Carrerayturcios 2014-06-22 09-46 (cropped).jpg Rafael Carrera
(1814–1965)
6 November 1851 14 April 1865 13 years, 159 days Conservative
9 Pedro de Aycinena.JPG Pedro de Aycinena y Piñol
(1802–1897)
Acting
14 April 1865 24 May 1865 40 days Conservative
10 VicenteCerna (oficial).jpg Vicente Cerna Sandoval
(1815–1885)
24 May 1865 29 June 1871 6 years, 36 days Conservative

Liberal Period (1871–1944)

No. Portrait Name
(Born–Died)
Time in Office Political Party Elected
Started Ended Length of Time
11 La Locomotor 1906 García Granados (HQ) (cropped).jpg Miguel García Granados
(1809–1878)
29 June 1871 4 June 1873 1 year, 340 days Liberal
12 Justo Rufino Barrios Auyón.jpg Justo Rufino Barrios
(1835–1885)
4 June 1873 2 April 1885 11 years, 302 days Liberal 1873
1880
13 Alejandrosinibaldi.jpg Alejandro M. Sinibaldi
(1825–1896)
Acting
2 April 1885 5 April 1885 3 days Liberal
14 Guatemala land of quetzal, Brigham 07.jpeg Manuel Barillas
(1845–1907)
6 April 1885 15 March 1892 6 years, 345 days Liberal
15 José María Reina Barrios, 1897.jpg José María Reina Barrios
(1854–1898)
15 March 1892 8 February 1898 5 years, 330 days Liberal 1892
16 Manuel Estrada Cabrera, 1916.jpg Manuel Estrada Cabrera
(1857–1924)
8 February 1898 15 April 1920 22 years, 67 days Liberal 1898
1904
1910
1916
17 CarlosHerrerayLuna.jpg Carlos Herrera
(1856–1930)
15 April 1920 10 December 1921 1 year, 239 days Unionist Party 1920 (Apr)
1920 (Aug)
18 José María Orellana (cropped).jpg José María Orellana
(1872–1926)
10 December 1921 26 September 1926 4 years, 290 days Liberal 1921
1922
19 LázaroChacón.jpg Lázaro Chacón González
(1873–1931)
26 September 1926 12 December 1930 4 years, 77 days Unionist Party 1926
Palma1923.jpg Baudilio Palma
(1880–1930)
Acting
13 December 1930 17 December 1930 4 days Conservative
Manuel María Orellana Contreras.jpg Manuel María Orellana Contreras
(1870–1940)
De facto
17 December 1930 2 January 1931 16 days Liberal
20 José María Reyna Andrade.jpg José María Reina Andrade
(1860–1947)
Acting
2 January 1931 14 February 1931 43 days Liberal
21 Presidente Jorge Ubico Castañeda.png Jorge Ubico
(1878–1946)
14 February 1931 1 July 1944 13 years, 138 days Progressive Liberal Party 1931
22 Federicoponcevaides.jpg Juan Federico Ponce Vaides
(1889–1956)
Acting
4 July 1944 20 October 1944 108 days Progressive Liberal Party July 1944

The Ten-Year Revolution (1944–1954)

The strict rule of Jorge Ubico, which had lasted since 1931, ended with a revolution on July 4, 1944. This period is known as the "Ten Years of Spring." After many protests by students and workers, Ubico resigned and went to Mexico. He handed power to his First Deputy, Federico Ponce Vaides. Elections were held on July 4, 1944, and Ponce was declared president.

However, the opposition disagreed with the results. So, on October 20, 1944, a group of young military officers overthrew Ponce. They formed a new government called the Revolutionary Government Junta. A new constitution was created, and new elections were held. Juan José Arévalo won in 1944, and Jacobo Árbenz won in 1950. During these years, Guatemala made many social and economic changes, including a big land reform.

No. Portrait Name
(Born–Died)
Time in Office Political Party Elected
Started Ended Length of Time
23 Juntagobierno1944.jpg Revolutionary Government Junta 20 October 1944 15 March 1945 146 days Military
24 Retrato oficial de Presidente Juan José Arévalo (cropped 1).jpg Juan José Arévalo
(1904–1990)
15 March 1945 15 March 1951 6 years Revolutionary Action Party 1944
25 Retrato de Presidente Jacobo Árbenz.png Jacobo Árbenz
(1913–1971)
15 March 1951 27 June 1954
(Removed from office)
3 years, 104 days Revolutionary Action Party /
Party of the Guatemalan Revolution
1950

Military Governments (1954–1958)

After Jacobo Árbenz resigned, Colonel Carlos Enrique Díaz, the head of the Armed Forces, took over as provisional president. Díaz quickly formed a temporary government board with Colonels Elfego H. Monzón and José Ángel Sánchez. On June 29, Díaz was forced to step down, and Monzón became the new leader of the board. Monzón then created a new governing board, including Colonel Castillo Armas.

This new board ended after a public vote on October 10, 1954, which allowed Colonel Castillo Armas to become president. Under Castillo Armas, many changes made during the Guatemalan Revolution were stopped. People who opposed the government, as well as unions and farmer groups, were treated harshly.

Castillo Armas was assassinated on July 26, 1957. The Congress then appointed Luis Arturo González as acting president. He was told to call for new elections within four months.

The election was held on October 20, 1957, but the results were canceled because of claims of cheating. President González resigned and gave power to a temporary governing board. This board was led by Óscar Mendoza Azurdia, Gonzalo Yurrita Nova, and Roberto Lorenzana. The new board only governed for two days. Then, Congress appointed Colonel Guillermo Flores Avendaño as acting president. President Avendaño called for elections in January 1958.

No. Portrait Name
(Born–Died)
Time in Office Political Party Elected
Started Ended Length of Time
26 Retrato de Carlos Enrique Díaz de León (cropped).jpg Carlos Enrique Díaz de León
(1915–2014)
Provisional President
27 June 1954 29 June 1954 2 days Military
27 Blank.png Elfego Hernán Monzón Aguirre
(1912–1981)
Chairman of Military Junta
29 June 1954 8 July 1954 9 days Military
28 Retrato oficial de Presidente Carlos Castillo Armas (cropped 2).jpg Carlos Castillo Armas
(1914–1957)
8 July 1954 26 July 1957 3 years, 18 days National Liberation Movement 1954
29 Luis Arturo González López (cropped).jpg Luis Arturo González López
(1900–1965)
Acting
27 July 1957 24 October 1957 89 days Independent
30 Oscar Mendoza Azurdia.png Óscar Mendoza Azurdia
(1917–1995)
Chairman of Military Junta
24 October 1957 26 October 1957 2 days Military
31 Retrato oficial de Presidente Guillermo Flores Avendaño (cropped).jpg Guillermo Flores Avendaño
(1894–1982)
Acting
26 October 1957 2 March 1958 129 days Military

Civil War Period (1958–1996)

No. Portrait Name
(Born–Died)
Time in Office Political Party Elected
Started Ended Length of Time
32 Foto oficial de Presidente Miguel Ydígoras Fuentes.png Miguel Ydígoras Fuentes
(1895–1982)
2 March 1958 31 March 1963
(Removed from office)
5 years, 29 days Military /
REDENCION
1958
33 Retrato de Enrique Peralta Azurdia.jpg Enrique Peralta Azurdia
(1908–1997)
31 March 1963 1 July 1966 3 years, 92 days Institutional Democratic Party
34 Foto oficial de Julio César Méndez Montenegro (cropped 2).jpg Julio César Méndez Montenegro
(1915–1996)
1 July 1966 1 July 1970 4 years Revolutionary Party 1966
35 Retrato oficial de Carlos Manuel Arana Osorio (photo scan) (cropped).jpg Carlos Manuel Arana Osorio
(1918–2003)
1 July 1970 1 July 1974 4 years Institutional Democratic Party 1970
36 Foto alternativa del retrato presidencial de Kjell Eugenio Laugerud Garcia (b).jpg Kjell Eugenio Laugerud García
(1930–2009)
1 July 1974 1 July 1978 4 years Institutional Democratic Party 1974
37 Retrato oficial de Presidente Fernando Romeo Lucas Garcia (cropped 1).jpg Fernando Romeo Lucas García
(1924–2006)
1 July 1978 23 March 1982
(Removed from office)
3 years, 265 days Institutional Democratic Party 1978
38 Retrato oficial de Presidente Efraín Ríos Montt (cropped).jpg Efraín Ríos Montt
(1926–2018)
23 March 1982 8 August 1983
(Removed from office)
1 year, 138 days Military
39 Óscar Humberto Mejía Víctores.jpg Óscar Humberto Mejía Víctores
(1930–2016)
8 August 1983 14 January 1986 2 years, 159 days Military
40 Foto oficial de Presidente Vinicio Cerezo (cropped 2).jpg Vinicio Cerezo
(born 1942)
14 January 1986 14 January 1991 5 years Guatemalan Christian Democracy 1985
41 Foto oficial de Jorge Antonio Serrano Elías.png Jorge Serrano Elías
(born 1945)
14 January 1991 1 June 1993
(Resigned)
2 years, 138 days Solidarity Action Movement 1990
42 Retrato oficial de Vicepresidente Gustavo Adolfo Espina Salguero.jpg Gustavo Adolfo Espina Salguero
(1946–2024)
Acting
1 June 1993 5 June 1993 4 days Solidarity Action Movement
43 FiRetrato de Ramiro de León Carpio como Procurador de los Derechos Humanos de Guatemala (1987-1993)(cropped).jpg Ramiro de León Carpio
(1942–2002)
6 June 1993 14 January 1996 2 years, 222 days Independent 1993

Modern Era (1996–Present)

No. Portrait Name
(Born–Died)
Time in Office Political Party Elected
Started Ended Length of Time
44 Foto oficial de Presidente Álvaro Arzú (autografiado) (cropped).jpg Álvaro Arzú
(1946–2018)
14 January 1996 14 January 2000 4 years National Advancement Party /
Unionist Party
1995–1996
45 Foto oficial de Alfonso Portillo (cropped 2).jpg Alfonso Portillo
(born 1951)
14 January 2000 14 January 2004 4 years Guatemalan Republican Front 1999
46 Presidente Óscar Berger (cropped 2).jpg Óscar Berger
(born 1946)
14 January 2004 14 January 2008 4 years National Solidarity Party /
Grand National Alliance
2003
47 Foto oficial de Álvaro Colom (cropped) (cropped 1).jpg Álvaro Colom
(1951–2023)
14 January 2008 14 January 2012 4 years National Unity of Hope 2007
48 Foto oficial de Presidente Otto Molina Perez (cropped 2).jpg Otto Pérez Molina
(born 1950)
14 January 2012 3 September 2015
(Resigned)
3 years, 232 days Patriotic Party /
Grand National Alliance
2011
49 Retrato oficial de Presidente Alejandro Maldonado Aguirre (cropped 3).jpg Alejandro Maldonado
(born 1936)
Acting
3 September 2015 14 January 2016 133 days Independent
50 Retrato oficial de Presidente Jimmy Morales (cropped 2).jpg Jimmy Morales
(born 1969)
14 January 2016 14 January 2020 4 years National Convergence Front 2015
51 Retrato de Alejandro Giammattei, Presidente de Guatemala (2020-2024) (cropped 3).png Alejandro Giammattei
(born 1956)
14 January 2020 14 January 2024 4 years Vamos 2019
52 Retrato oficial de Presidente Bernardo Arévalo (cropped).jpg Bernardo Arévalo
(born 1958)
14 January 2024 Incumbent 1 year, 153 days Semilla 2023

Timeline of Presidents

Bernardo Arévalo Alejandro Giammattei Jimmy Morales Alejandro Maldonado Otto Pérez Molina Álvaro Colom Óscar Berger Alfonso Portillo Álvaro Arzú Ramiro de León Carpio Gustavo Adolfo Espina Salguero Jorge Serrano Elías Vinicio Cerezo Óscar Humberto Mejía Víctores Efraín Ríos Montt Fernando Romeo Lucas García Kjell Eugenio Laugerud García Carlos Manuel Arana Osorio Julio César Méndez Montenegro Enrique Peralta Azurdia Miguel Ydígoras Fuentes Guillermo Flores Avendaño Óscar Mendoza Azurdia Luis Arturo González López Carlos Castillo Armas Elfego Hernán Monzón Aguirre Carlos Enrique Díaz de León Jacobo Árbenz Juan José Arévalo President of Guatemala Juan Federico Ponce Vaides Jorge Ubico José María Reina Andrade Manuel María Orellana Contreras Baudillio Palma Lázaro Chacón González José María Orellana Carlos Herrera Manuel Estrada Cabrera José María Reina Barrios Manuel Barillas Alejandro M. Sinibaldi Justo Rufino Barrios Miguel García Granados Vicente Cerna Sandoval Pedro de Aycinena y Piñol Mariano Paredes (President of Guatemala) José Bernardo Escobar Juan Antonio Martínez Rafael Carrera José Venancio López Mariano Rivera Paz

Latest Election Results

Candidate Running mate Party First round Second round
Votes % Votes %
Sandra Torres Romeo Guerra National Unity of Hope 881,592 20.98 1,567,664 39.09
Bernardo Arévalo Karin Herrera Semilla 654,534 15.58 2,442,718 60.91
Manuel Conde Luis Antonio Suárez Vamos 435,631 10.37
Armando Castillo Édgar Grisolia Vision with Values 404,059 9.61
Edmond Mulet Máximo Santa Cruz Cabal 371,857 8.85
Zury Ríos Héctor Cifuentes Valor–Unionist 365,028 8.69
Manuel Villacorta Jorge Mario García Will, Opportunity and Solidarity 238,686 5.68
Giovanni Reyes Óscar Figueroa Bienestar Nacional 141,714 3.37
Amílcar Rivera Fernando Mazariegos Victory 135,591 3.23
Amílcar Pop Mónica Enríquez Winaq–URNG–MAIZ 87,676 2.09
Ricardo Sagastume Guillermo González Todos 76,582 1.82
Rudy Guzmán Diego González Nosotros 66,116 1.57
Isaac Farchi Mauricio Zaldaña Blue Party 61,472 1.46
Julio Rivera José Urrutia My Family 46,092 1.10
Francisco Arredondo Francisco Bermúdez Commitment, Renewal and Order 41,948 1.00
Giulio Talamonti Óscar Barrientos Republican Union 40,358 0.96
Hugo Peña Hugo Johnson Elephant Community 39,271 0.93
Rudio Lecsan Mérida Rubén Darío Rosales Humanist Party 34,285 0.82
Rafael Espada Arturo Herrador Republican Party 32,139 0.76
Sammy Morales Miguel Ángel Moir National Convergence Front 22,316 0.53
Álvaro Trujillo Miguel Ángel Ibarra Change 17,715 0.42
Luis Lam Padilla Otto Marroquín National Integration Party 7,780 0.19
Total 4,202,442 100.00 4,010,382 100.00
Valid votes 4,202,442 75.62 4,010,382 95.25
Invalid votes 966,389 17.39 147,165 3.50
Blank votes 388,442 6.99 52,687 1.25
Total votes 5,557,273 100.00 4,210,234 100.00
Registered voters/turnout 9,249,794 60.08 9,361,068 44.98
Source: TSE (first round; 99.13% counted) TSE (second round; 100% counted)

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Presidente de Guatemala para niños

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